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Data show NSAIDs prescribed over analgesics for new musculoskeletal pain
More than half of patients with new episodes of musculoskeletal conditions were not prescribed analgesia, but those who were often received NSAIDs, according to researchers.
Using the Consultations in Primary Care Archive database, the researchers identified 3,236 patients 15 years or older who had consulted for a musculoskeletal condition in 2006 but had not had a musculoskeletal consultation or analgesic prescription in the previous 12 months. The researchers identified analgesic prescriptions within 2 weeks of first consultation and evaluated the association of socio-demographic and clinical factors with receiving any analgesic prescription and with the strength of the analgesic prescribed.
Results showed 42% of patients received a prescribed pain medication, with 47% of those patients receiving NSAIDs, 24% receiving basic analgesics, 18% receiving moderate-strength analgesics and 11% receiving strong analgesics.
Although increasing age was associated with analgesic prescription, there was a reduced likelihood of a prescription of NSAIDs or strong analgesics, according to the researchers.
The researchers also found patients in less-deprived areas were less likely to be prescribed analgesics compared with patients in the most-deprived areas, and patients without comorbidity were more likely to be prescribed NSAIDs.
Patients prescribed with stronger analgesics had a prior history of analgesic medication, according to the researchers. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosures: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.